Tag: dog diet

Can My Dog Eat That? Peaches

Posted on by
An overhead view of a pile of freshly picked peaches.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat peaches?” Read on!

Yes! Dogs can eat peaches safely, as long as you only give them the fleshy part of the fruit. Just make sure that peaches are only an occasional treat and make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie amount. Too many peaches can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. And neither your dog or you want that!

Are Peaches Good For Dogs?

Just like cherries, pineapple, cranberries and other fruits and vegetables, peaches contain beneficial nutrients, including vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as antioxidants that support the immune system and skin health. Peaches are also high in fiber which helps support a healthy digestive system. However, if your dog is eating a complete and balanced commercial dog food, your dog’s diet is already providing all of the nutrients they need, so the nutrients from peaches aren’t required.

Are Peach Pits Poisonous?

Yes, the peach pits, also called stones, are poisonous for dogs. They contain trace amounts of a sugar-cyanide compound that is toxic. A dog would need to eat multiple peach pits to be affected by cyanide poisoning; however, there are other reasons not to let them eat the pits.

Peach pits are rough and risk damaging the esophagus or intestine as they pass through. Just like avocado pits, they pose a choking hazard and could cause an intestinal blockage. All good reasons for your dog to avoid peach pits!

Can Dogs Eat Canned Peaches?

No, canned peaches are not a good idea for dogs as they usually have a bunch of added sugar and preservatives. Too much sugar on a regular basis can contribute to diabetes or obesity. Canned peaches may also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol which is toxic to dogs. It’s best to stick with fresh peaches as a tasty snack for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Peach Yogurt?

Similar to canned peaches, store-bought peach yogurt may contain added sugars, preservatives or xylitol which aren’t healthy for dogs. Again, it’s better to share just fresh peaches as treats instead of peach yogurt.

Can Dogs Eat Peach Skin?

As long as you wash the skin thoroughly, dogs can eat peach skin. The parts of the peach to avoid include the pit, the stem and the leaves as these all contain the sugar-cyanide compound. That’s why dog owners should stick to the peach flesh when giving their dog peaches.

Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?

Dogs can also eat the flesh of nectarines safely. But, as with all stone fruits, the nectarine pits should be avoided to prevent choking or intestinal blockage. You should limit the amount of nectarines your dog eats to avoid an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Peaches Safely?

Yes, you can feed your dog peaches in moderation as long as they are washed and the pits are removed. How many peaches your dog can eat depends on your dog’s size. If your dog accidentally eats a peach pit, contact your veterinarian for advice.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat peaches? Yes, the fleshy part’.

Can My Dog Eat That? Broccoli

Posted on by
An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat broccoli? Yes! In moderation’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat broccoli?” Read on!

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Yes, whether it’s cooked or straight from your garden (washed of course), dogs can eat broccoli. However, you’ll want to make sure broccoli makes up less than 10 percent of your dog’s total calorie intake to avoid any nasty effects on their digestive system. These effects could be as simple as noticing some stinky gas coming from your dog’s nether regions or more severe (and messy) effects like diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Broccoli?

Whether it’s steamed broccoli or broccoli that’s cooked any other way, eating cooked broccoli is safe for dogs in moderation. Just make sure it doesn’t have any seasonings or toppings on it that could upset your dog’s digestive system (e.g., lots of cheese) or that are toxic to dogs (e.g., garlic and onion). Even though the stems are softer when cooked, make sure you cut them up into bite-sized pieces to avoid a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Broccoli Florets?

Just like other vegetable treats that are crunchy when raw, like carrots and cucumbers, dogs can eat broccoli that is raw. Just make sure it’s washed and cut into bite-sized pieces, especially for puppies or small adult dogs, so any gulped pieces don’t cause an obstruction.

Is Broccoli Good for Dogs?

If you’re looking for a healthy low-calorie treat for dogs, broccoli is a great choice — in moderation. How much broccoli your dog can eat depends on the individual dog; like with any treat, broccoli should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake. What’s not so good is that broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates — if your dog eats too much broccoli, isothiocyanates can cause an upset stomach and digestive tract.

Some of the nutritional benefits of broccoli include that it’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. However, if you’re feeding your dog a commercial dog food that is complete and balanced, all nutritional needs are fulfilled by your dog’s food. There’s no need to supplement them with other food. So while broccoli is good for your dog in small amounts, they don’t need to eat broccoli as a nutrient source — just as a treat.

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli Stems?

Yes, dogs can eat the stem part of the broccoli; however, it’s best to cut them into bite-sized pieces, particularly for small dogs. That way you can reduce the risk of your dog or puppy choking or the broccoli stalks causing an obstruction. Cooking the broccoli stems will also make them softer and easier to eat and digest.

Can Dogs Have Cauliflower?

If all this talk of broccoli has got you thinking about other vegetables dogs can eat and you’re wondering whether dogs can eat cauliflower, the answer is yes! Like broccoli, it contains vitamins C and K, and is a healthy treat for dogs in moderation. But it is also a cruciferous vegetable, so it contains the isothiocyanates that can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in excess amounts. Make sure you cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and feed your dog small quantities.

Can You Give Your Dog Broccoli?

Broccoli for dogs is a nutritious snack (in moderation) that also has some nutritional benefits. Just remember that too much broccoli could cause some digestive issues for your dog, and to always cut the broccoli into small pieces to avoid it being a choking hazard.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat broccoli? Yes! In moderation’.

Can My Dog Eat That? Turkey

Posted on by
An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat turkey? Yes, the fully cooked, lean part’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat turkey safely?” Read on!

If you’re carving a turkey on Thanksgiving (or any day) and you notice some puppy-dog eyes pleading at you from under the table, it may have you wondering, can you feed your dog turkey? We’ve gone over other Thanksgiving foods before, like ham, potatoes and cranberry sauce, so now let’s talk about the main event — the turkey.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Turkey “meat” is definitely safe for your dog to eat — unless they’re allergic, of course. Turkey is an ingredient in commercial dog food, including some of our dog food formulas. But if you’re serving turkey at home, whether it’s safe for your dog or not depends on how you’re preparing it and which part of the turkey you’re serving.

Make sure you only serve your dog turkey that is fully cooked, as raw or undercooked turkey can contain Salmonella bacteria that can cause an upset gastrointestinal system. You should also avoid feeding your dog turkey skin (it’s too fatty) and turkey bones. Cooked or raw, the bones can easily splinter and damage your dog’s mouth or digestive tract and can also block their gastrointestinal tract. So stick with feeding them small amounts of the “turkey meat.”

Fun Fact: Turkey Isn’t Meat

That’s right — in the world of pet food, there’s no such thing as “turkey meat.” There are rules about how pet food ingredients are described, and one of them is that “meat” only comes from mammals. Muscle from non-mammalian species like turkeys, chickens, ducks or fish must be identified as poultry or fish or by their specific species (e.g., turkey, duck, salmon or tuna).

Is Turkey Good for Dogs?

Yes, like fish, fully cooked turkey is good for dogs and has nutritional benefits — depending on the part of the turkey. We use turkey in our dog food formulas because it’s a highly digestible, lean protein that enhances palatability (the tastiness). We use turkey liver as a nutritious source of iron and protein, and we use turkey broth, created from cooking turkey in water, in our canned products as a source of moisture.

The parts of the turkey that aren’t so good for dogs are the fatty parts. As much as most dogs would love the taste, turkey skins and trimmings are high in fat and difficult for your dog to digest. Eating fatty foods is not good for your dog’s health and can lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to hospitalization. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased activity, appetite loss and mild to severe abdominal pain. So make sure fat trimmings aren’t part of your dog’s diet.

What Type of Turkey Can Dogs Safely Eat?

While fully cooked turkey is safe for dogs to eat, it should still be considered a treat. How much turkey you can feed your dog depends on their recommended calorie intake. Turkey pieces or any treat should only provide up to 10% of your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bacon or Turkey Sausage?

It’s not recommended for dogs to chow down on some bacon or turkey sausage because processed foods like these typically contain high amounts of sodium (salt), which isn’t healthy for dogs. Additionally, they may contain seasonings that are toxic to dogs (e.g., garlic and onion).

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Lunch Meat?

The answer is the same for this one. The high amounts of salt typically in turkey lunch “meat” make it an unhealthy choice for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Burgers? What About Ground Turkey?

You can safely feed your dog a small amount of cooked ground turkey that doesn’t have any seasonings or other additives. If you make your own turkey burgers that are plain and cooked well, those are also fine. But store-bought turkey burgers will probably have seasonings added, so stay clear of those if so.

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones?

No. Turkey bones, especially cooked bones, can splinter and cause damage to your dog’s mouth and other parts of their digestive tract. They can also cause a blockage in their gastrointestinal tract. Raw bones are not okay either, for the reasons below.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Turkey?

No, dogs should not eat raw turkey or turkey bones as they may be contaminated with viruses, bacteria or parasites that put your dog at risk of becoming sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend feeding raw pet food or treats to dogs (or cats). So make sure you serve fully cooked turkey to your dog (and people)!

Should You Feed Your Dog Turkey?

You can safely feed turkey to your dog as a treat as long as it’s the lean portion, not the skin, fatty parts or bones, and it’s fully cooked. Make sure it’s plain turkey without gravy or seasonings, too.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat turkey? Yes, the fully cooked, lean part’.

Can My Dog Eat That? Spicy Food

Posted on by
An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat spicy food? No’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat spicy food?” Read on!

Can Dogs Taste Spicy Food?

Before we dive into whether eating spicy foods is OK for your dog, let’s go over whether dogs can taste spicy food. Dogs have around 1,700 taste buds that can taste bitter, sour, sweet and salty flavors. In comparison, humans have around 9,000 taste buds. So while dogs can taste and experience spicy flavors, it’s probably not to the same extent as we can. Bonus fact: dogs have special taste buds that can taste water, whereas water is tasteless to us.

Can Dogs Eat Spicy Foods?

While your dog may not be able to taste spicy food as well as we can, most spicy foods will cause that burning and heat sensation that many people know so well. It’s definitely not a pleasant experience for your dog, and it can also be painful. Therefore, letting your dog eat spicy food is not recommended because it can cause discomfort as well as upset your dog’s digestive system.

Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos?

No, you should not feed jalapenos or food containing jalapenos to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Chili Peppers?

No, you should not feed chilis or food containing chilis to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Hot Sauce?

No, you should not let your dog eat food covered in hot sauce.

What Makes Spicy Food Bad for Dogs?

For some foods, the problem is obvious (e.g., hot dogs aren’t good for dogs because of their fat and salt content). When it comes to spicy foods, the problem is a tiny but potent molecule called capsaicin. It’s found naturally in hot peppers and is released when you or your dog bites into the pepper. Capsaicin is what produces the heat and burning sensations.

If your dog ingests a large amount of spicy food, it can upset the digestive tract and result in vomiting, diarrhea and stinky gas, so if this happens, call your veterinarian for advice. Milk can help bind the capsaicin molecules; but dogs can also be lactose intolerant, which means milk is not a good remedy for dogs.

You also need to think about the other ingredients that may be in spicy foods, like garlic and onion, which are toxic to dogs. So it’s best to keep all spicy dishes away from curious canine tongues.

Can Dogs Eat Spicy Food in Small Quantities?

While small amounts of capsaicin are not toxic to dogs, they can still experience the unpleasant burning sensation from capsaicin, so make sure you keep spicy foods out of your furry friend’s reach.

What Seasoning Can Dogs Eat?

While chili powder and other ingredients that make food spicy should be avoided, there are some seasonings that are OK for your dog to eat (as long as the other ingredients in the food are safe, too). Here are some herbs and spices that dogs can eat in small quantities, as long as they are not in the oil or essential oil form (and your veterinarian approves):

  • Cinnamon
  • Dill
  • Parsley
  • Peppermint
  • Sage
  • Thyme (not Spanish thyme)

Some of the herbs and spices that dogs should avoid include:

  • Bay leaf
  • Cocoa or cocoa powder
  • Chives
  • Garlic
  • Hops
  • Mustard seed or powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Onion
  • Spanish thyme

Can dogs taste spicy food? Yes. Should they eat spicy food? No. It’s not recommended to give your dog spicy foods, as it could cause an uncomfortable experience for them. Avoiding spicy foods, as well as herbs and spices that are toxic to dogs, is important to keep your dog healthy and happy.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat spicy food? No’.

Can My Dog Eat That? Cucumbers

Posted on by
An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat cucumbers? Yes!’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat cucumbers?” Read on!

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

If a cucumber slice drops to the floor and your dog vacuums it up, it’s OK — dogs can eat cucumbers. They are a healthy snack and safe for dogs to eat in moderation, much like cranberries, pineapple, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals, have a very high water content and are low in calories, making them healthy and hydrating dog treats.

When Are Cucumbers Bad for Dogs?

Feeding cucumbers to your dog is generally OK as long as you follow the same rules that apply for most human food treats — feed cucumbers in moderation, slice them into small pieces and check with your veterinarian first. Even a healthy treat should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake. With cucumbers, you’ll need to be more aware of the effects of fiber — cucumbers are a good source! — than of calories: if your dog eats too much fiber at once, that can cause an upset stomach. It’s also important that the size of the cucumber slices are appropriate for your dog’s size to reduce the risk of choking or an intestinal blockage.

What Happens If Dogs Eat Too Much Cucumber?

Even the healthiest of foods can cause a problem if they’re eaten in large quantities. Dogs eating cucumbers whenever they want could cause an upset gastrointestinal tract, so make sure you’re limiting your dog’s access to them. How much cucumber a dog can eat depends on their size — it makes sense that a Great Dane can generally eat more (of anything) than a Yorkshire terrier!

Which Parts of a Cucumber Can Dogs Eat?

There are a few different parts of a cucumber fruit, so let’s go over some common questions about which parts are safe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Skin?

As long as you wash it first, most dogs can eat the whole cucumber fruit, including the skin. However, some dogs have trouble digesting cucumber skin, so you may need to remove it if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Seeds?

Cucumber seeds are not toxic to dogs, so they’re fine for dogs to eat. However, like the skin, some dogs have trouble digesting the seeds — you may want to scoop those out.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers Raw?

Yes, just like when we eat cucumber slices, it’s perfectly safe for dogs to eat raw cucumbers. It’s the other ingredients that might be mixed with cucumbers that are the concern. For example, cucumber and onion salad is off the menu, as onions are toxic to dogs. Sticking with plain cucumbers is best for your dog.

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water?

If you’re making cucumber water at home and know the ingredients going into it are safe for dogs, that’s fine. If you’re buying cucumber water from a store, check for ingredients like xylitol that are toxic for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

No, it’s not recommended that dogs eat pickled cucumbers. Pickles, like hot dogs, typically have a high salt (sodium) content, which isn’t healthy for dogs. The pickle brine may also contain ingredients like garlic or onion that are toxic to dogs.

Can Puppies Eat Cucumbers?

Pups can safely eat cucumbers as long as they’re sliced into puppy-sized pieces. You could use cucumber slices as a refreshing and crunchy reward during a training session. Blueberries and carrots are some other fruits and vegetables that can serve as healthy training treats.

Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?

Yes! Cucumber slices can be a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs. Just make sure you wash them and keep your dog from over indulging on these crunchy treats. And as always, check with your vet before adding a new food to your dog’s diet.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat cucumbers? Yes!’.

Can My Dog Eat That? Carrots

Posted on by
An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat carrots? Yes!’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat carrots?” Read on!

If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your dog to supplement their dog food, fruits and vegetables (like broccoli) are a great choice — particularly if your dog is tipping the scales in the wrong direction and you’re looking for a low-calorie treat. But not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. So what about carrots? They’re healthy for most humans, but are they good for dogs?

Can My Dog Eat Carrots?

Yes, dogs can eat carrots! As long as they don’t have any seasonings or toppings, they make a great low-calorie alternative to treats. Much like cucumbers, most dogs love the texture of carrots and that classic carrot crunch. As with most things though, make sure you feed your dog carrots in moderation, as they are high in natural sugars.

There Is a Carrot Caveat, Though

You can add carrots to your dog’s diet, but make sure that carrots (and other treats) make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie allowance. Also, it’s always a good idea to ask your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog’s diet or before switching dog food.

Are Carrots Good for Dogs?

Yes, carrots are a healthy snack for dogs. Carrots are a good source of fiber, certain vitamins and minerals and other nutrients. Their orange color comes from beta carotene, which produces vitamin A and is a powerful antioxidant. The nutritional benefits of carrots are why they’re often used as an ingredient in commercial dog foods.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Carrots?

If you find your dog in the garden chewing on a freshly dug-up carrot, don’t panic. It’s OK for your dog to chomp on the leafy green tops of carrots, the carrot skin and the raw carrot itself. Hopefully they left some in the garden for you!

If you have store-bought carrots, you can also feed those to your dog without cooking them. Just give the raw carrots a wash first or peel them. It’s also a good idea to chop them up into bite-size chunks of carrot, as raw carrots could be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Carrots?

Sure! It’s fine for your dog to eat plain cooked carrots. You can boil, steam, microwave, roast or use any other method to cook carrots for dogs. You could even get fancy and julienne them first. However, make sure they’re plain carrots — don’t give your dog carrots that have seasonings, butter or oil on them. You should especially avoid any seasonings or flavoring that contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs like garlic and onion.

Can Puppies Have Carrots?

Yes, your pup doesn’t need to miss out — they can eat carrots as a healthy treat, too. Just make sure that, raw or cooked, you cut the carrot up into puppy-sized pieces so your puppy doesn’t choke on it. Carrots may even help teething puppies feel better. If you put bite-size pieces in the freezer, the frozen carrots may help soothe your dog’s teeth when they’re feeling discomfort from teething.

What About Carrot Cake, Carrot Juice or Carrot Soup?

Can dogs eat carrots when they’re used as an ingredient in people food? It depends on what else is in the food. Carrot cake is off the list because it often contains a generous amount of sugar, which isn’t healthy for dogs. It may also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol which is toxic to dogs. Similarly, with carrot juice and carrot soup, it depends on what else is in them. If you aren’t sure of the other ingredients, it’s best to avoid feeding the carrot-containing food to dogs.

So, Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

Yes, you can feed carrots to your dog. Raw or cooked carrots are safe for dogs and can be used as a healthy snack (when cut into small pieces), much like other vegetables such as corn or peas. They’re a common ingredient in commercial dog food and are perfect for an occasional treat.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat carrots? Yes!’.

Can My Dog Eat That? Bananas

Posted on by
Taste of the Wild

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat bananas?” Read on!

Yep, most dogs can eat a peeled banana, in moderation. Bananas are healthy snacks packed with nutrients, but there are a couple of things you should know before feeding this a‑peeling fruit to your dog.

A Healthy Treat

Bananas are a great healthy treat option for most dogs. They are high in potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and also fiber — which is typically a good thing, but not in large amounts (see below).

Bananas are a low-calorie food, so they can be a good alternative for pudgy pooches who probably shouldn’t be eating any treats (but sometimes you just can’t say “No” to those eyes). Bananas may also be good for dogs with canine kidney disease who need low-protein, low-sodium and low‑phosphorus treat options. As with all new foods, it’s best to check with your veterinarian if bananas are OK to feed to your dog, especially if they have an underlying medical condition.

Remember, Too Much of a Good Thing…

While bananas are great as a healthy treat, too much banana can lead to some messy consequences. It’s best to stick to giving your dog just a few slices of banana at a time, because too much banana can cause gastrointestinal upset — in other words, vomiting and diarrhea. Bananas are also high in sugar, which is why they should only be used as a treat, not as a regular part of your dog’s diet.

Slip That Peel into the Compost Bin

Banana flesh is a definite go (in moderation), but the banana peel is a definite no. Banana peels aren’t toxic to dogs, but they are really hard to digest, which could cause a blockage in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract or an upset stomach.

Banana-Containing Things — Yay or Nay?

So what about the things that have banana in or around them? Like most things, it depends. Peanut butter-dipped banana is going to make your dog very happy. Just make sure it’s a dog-safe peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol. Another fun banana use is stuffing a toy with banana — it’s bound to keep your dog entertained for a while, and it’s great for mental stimulation. You can also freeze banana slices to mix it up a little and give your dog a different texture to munch on, or mash them for yet another entirely different texture.

On the other paw, banana bread and banana cake are probably in the nay category. Most banana bread and cake recipes call for a bunch of added sugar, which is not good for any dog, and especially a diabetic or obese dog. The banana bread or cake may also contain raisins or chocolate chips which are a definite “No!” for all dogs due to their toxicity. Dehydrated banana chips depend on how they were processed — if a lot of sugar was added, these should probably be a no, too.

Bananas are a healthy treat for most dogs. So if your veterinarian says it’s OK, see if your dog goes bananas over some banana in their bowl!

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat bananas? Yes!’.

Can My Dog Eat Blueberries?

Posted on by
Taste of the Wild

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat blueberries?” Read on!

Can dogs have blueberries? For humans, blueberries are arguably a perfect snack. They’re loaded with nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. They’re low in calories because of a high water content. They’re poppable. And, possibly most importantly, they taste good!

But like with many delicious human foods, you’ll often see some puppy-dog eyes (both real and metaphorical) peering at you while you snack. Is it OK if dogs eat blueberries, though? Dogs can eat watermelon, strawberries, pineapples and other fruits, so can your dog indulge in a few of these blue sweet treats, either whole or in any other format?

Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?

Yes, you can feed your dog blueberries in all forms. They’re a great fruit that’s often labeled as a superfood! Though it’s always a good idea to consider opting for blueberries as an ingredient in trusted dog food, you can feed your beggin’ buddy fresh or frozen blueberries in moderation. Be wary, though. Blueberries are generally small treats, but when dogs eat blueberries they are in danger of choking, especially small breeds or puppies. Frozen blueberries are especially a danger to small dogs.

When Dogs Eat Blueberries, They Eat a Superfood with Super Benefits

Because of all the nutrients blueberries offer in one tiny package, they’re often labeled as “superfoods.” These nutrient-packed fruits are a key source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. In pet food, superfoods are also functional ingredients. Functional ingredients provide bonus benefits beyond basic nutrition when they are part of a complete and balanced diet. Antioxidants and fiber provide some of these benefits.

Blueberries’ main claim as a superfood is that they are rife with antioxidants, which is good news for pet owners. Antioxidants protect your dog from the damaging effects of free radicals, which, if left unchecked, can result in health issues like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants in superfoods like blueberries can work with the antioxidants naturally produced by the body to control these free radicals. Antioxidants also support the immune system and maintenance of healthy skin, and it’s been proven that they can help slow your dog’s mental aging.

But the benefits don’t stop there. The fiber offered by blueberries supports healthy digestion, which is something that both dogs and dog parents can appreciate. So offering your dog blueberries in food that is already good for them, like blueberry yogurt — homemade because store- bought blueberry yogurt is loaded with sugar or xylitol, which is deadly for dogs — can allow them to have a healthy snack that they love.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins?

Though you can feed blueberries to your dog, it’s not a good idea to offer blueberry muffins, which are usually packed with sugar. When dogs eat too much, sugar they can suffer from vomiting and diarrhea, not to mention more long-term issues like diabetes.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Blueberries?

In lieu of fresh blueberries, dried blueberries can be a great snack, especially if you dry them yourself. If you buy store-bought dried blueberries, be sure to watch the sugar content, because it is usually high.

As Always, Treat in Moderation

Too many blueberries aren’t good for anyone, especially dogs. General consensus is that your dog’s  treats or snacks should consist of no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. But for that 10 percent? You can’t go wrong with blueberries. If you’d prefer to offer blueberries as a portion of your dog’s regular food, we have a few suggestions. As always, if you have any questions about feeding fruits or vegetables to your dog, consult your veterinarian.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat blueberries? Yes!’.

Can Nutrition Influence Your Dog’s Behavior?

Posted on by
A brown dog lying on the floor licking its lips over a bowl of food.

If, as they say, “you are what you eat,” dietary ingredients could impact a dog’s health. Since our health affects how we feel, it seems logical that it could also affect how we act. But is there any evidence of a connection between dog food and behavior in dogs?

Dog Food Nutrition Needs to Be Balanced

Certainly, a poor diet can alter a dog’s normal behavior. Diets that are deficient in essential nutrients can lead to serious health issues, including anemia and brittle bones. If a dog isn’t feeling well because they’re weak or feeling pain, that can certainly impact their behavior.

That’s why one of the most important parts of any dog food label is the nutritional adequacy statement that indicates the pet food is “nutritionally complete and balanced” for your dog’s particular life stage. Commercial foods that list the nutritional adequacy statement have met the guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

Because the nutrient requirements (protein, essential amino acids, fat, vitamins and minerals) of dogs change over their lifetime, there are three nutritional adequacy statements that can be found on a dog food label depending on the diet: growth and reproduction, adult maintenance and all life stages. Diets that are designed for all life stages meet the nutritional requirements for both the growth and reproduction stage as well as adult maintenance stage. So make sure you consider your dog’s life stage when choosing their diet. A healthy dog is generally a happy dog! 

Yet even a healthy diet can become unbalanced if treats or table scraps make up more than 10 percent of the dog’s daily calories. Similarly, if you’re not following the feeding directions on the label, imbalances can occur. And unless homemade diets are prepared under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist, it can be easy for dietary deficiencies to occur.

Does Raw Meat Make Dogs Aggressive?

It has been suggested that higher dietary protein may be associated with canine aggression. That’s why some recommend a low-protein diet for an adult dog with aggression problems. However, studies testing this concept have been flawed and results were conflicting, so more research is needed.

The theory behind the low-protein diet revolves around tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the production of serotonin, the neurochemical purported to create a calming effect. Tryptophan competes with other amino acids (which are components of protein) to cross the barrier into the brain. With less protein in the diet, it’s surmised there will be a greater chance for tryptophan, and eventually serotonin, to enter the brain, thereby promoting calm while reducing aggression.

Regardless, healthy adult dogs need at least 4.5 grams of protein per 100 calories of food, so there needs to be a minimum amount of protein provided.

Pet Food Nutrition and the Aging Canine Brain

Current research does support the positive effects of nutrition on brain aging.

Older dogs can experience cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which has been likened to human Alzheimer’s disease. Affected dogs may appear disoriented, interact less with family, lose house training and show changes in sleep/wake cycles, such as wandering around the house at night.

Several factors are thought to contribute to brain aging and cognitive decline in dogs, including chronic oxidative stress, reduced brain glucose metabolism and low-grade inflammation.

Some evidence has been found recently that certain ingredients, typically added to the diet or given in supplement form, may help improve clinical signs and slow cognitive decline in older dogs.

For example, antioxidants such as vitamins E and C in your dog’s diet may help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals on cells, thereby protecting the brain from oxidative stress. These ingredients may have anti-inflammatory effects, as well.

To counter the effects of reduced cerebral glucose metabolism, medium-chain triglycerides in the diet can be converted to ketone bodies, providing the brain with an alternative energy source to glucose. In one study, dogs that were fed diets supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides performed better on cognitive tests than dogs fed the control diet.

How to Make Your Dog Happy

While good nutrition may have positive effects on canine behavior, many problems need a combination of therapies, including behavioral modification or training, environmental management and possibly medications. If you have questions about canine behavior and nutrition and how they may affect your dog’s life, your veterinary clinic is the best place to start.